Yellow Rat Snake Recovers After Becoming Entangled
A yellow rat snake was among the 199 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week. Other admissions include a loggerhead shrike, a swallow-tailed kite, a barred owl, a common ground dove, a coyote and a Florida softshell turtle.
The yellow rat snake was brought to Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital after it was found entangled in netting. Dr. Self at Animal Oasis removed the netting, cleaned the snake’s wounds then had a staff member transport the snake to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for further care.
Aside from missing scales and sustaining lacerations from being entangled in the netting, the rat snake was in good body condition. Wildlife Hospital staff placed the snake in a soft sided, screened enclosure in the reptile room. The snake was given a shallow water bowl and heat source and allowed time to rest. The wounds proved to be superficial and the snake was cleared for release after two days of care and returned to a preserve area near where it had been found.
We are incredibly thankful to the people who rescued the snake. It is a common occurrence for snakes to become entangled in garden netting since gardens tend to have thick ground vegetation that attracts rodents and bugs (both of which are common food items for snakes). If you use netting outdoors, periodically check to ensure an animal hasn’t become entangled.
Sadly, snakes are needlessly feared and often intentionally killed even though they are a natural form of pest control. Keep in mind that the wildlife hospital does accept native snakes that are injured or sick; snakes deserve the same care and consideration as any other animal admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.
Recent Releases
An eastern mole, two Florida softshell turtles, a red-bellied woodpecker, three eastern cottontails, a snowy egret, a gopher tortoise, a marsh rabbit, a Brazilian free-tailed bat, three northern mockingbirds, four blue jays, an osprey and three mourning doves were released this past week.
Opportunities to Help
Please visit the Conservancy website at www.conservancy.org to view all of the amazing volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Volunteers help in many different capacities and are vital to the success of our work. One area we are in constant need of volunteers is the evening shift. The shift runs from 5pm to 9pm; if you think you could dedicate one evening a week to help in the hospital, contact our volunteer office and get involved. Your volunteer time, donations, and memberships truly help us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.
Joanna Fitzgerald is director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Call 239–262–2273 or see conservancy.org
